Page 278 - THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS

The Last of the Mohicans

night, and make an Indian arrow more dangerous than a
molded cannon. Now, if you are equal to the work, and
will follow, I will make a push; for I long to get down
into that camp, if it be only to scatter some Mingo dogs

that I see lurking in the skirts of yonder thicket of birch.’
‘We are equal,’ said Cora, firmly; ‘on such an errand
we will follow to any danger.’
The scout turned to her with a smile of honest and
cordial approbation, as he answered:
‘I would I had a thousand men, of brawny limbs and
quick eyes, that feared death as little as you! I’d send them
jabbering Frenchers back into their den again, afore the
week was ended, howling like so many fettered hounds or
hungry wolves. But, sir,’ he added, turning from her to
the rest of the party, ‘the fog comes rolling down so fast,
we shall have but just the time to meet it on the plain, and
use it as a cover. Remember, if any accident should befall
me, to keep the air blowing on your left cheeks—or,
rather, follow the Mohicans; they’d scent their way, be it
in day or be it at night.’
He then waved his hand for them to follow, and threw
himself down the steep declivity, with free, but careful
footsteps. Heyward assisted the sisters to descend, and in a

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